Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has issued assurances to passengers that it has contingency plans in place to ensure minimal disruption at King Shaka International Airport in Durban as a strike by the KZN E-hailing Council started today (Monday, September 16).

The strike is expected to continue until the end of the week.

Travellers expecting to use e-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt and InDrive to reach their destinations from King Shaka International Airport this week should make alternative transport plans.

KZN E-Hailing Council spokesperson Ntokozo Buthelezi said strike action is the only way for drivers to communicate their demands. The drivers’ association is demanding higher prices and that the apps providing the platform for booking take lower commissions. The council is also asking e-hailing platform providers to ensure the safety of drivers and riders.

In a social media post last Wednesday, the E-Hailing Council said, under the current pricing system, it is a struggle to make enough money to cover the high costs of maintenance, insurance and stolen vehicle recovery tracking.

"We cannot communicate or have some sort of platform to speak with these companies as they do not have offices around areas like Durban or Johannesburg. It is only run online or by agents,” the post highlighted.

Driver safety ‘the biggest concern’

Buthelezi pointed out that the biggest concern is the safety of the drivers. "We are being robbed day by day. We are being killed by people who we or the police are not able to trace.

“We have suggested that, when a rider installs an app, they must include their ID numbers so that we can trace that person should anything happen to the driver or the rider."

To ensure a smooth travel experience, ACSA urges passengers to allow for extra travel time. “We also recommend online check-in before departure,” said an ACSA spokesperson.

Alternative transport options

Despite the impending strike, other transport options such as airport-accredited metered taxi operators, airport shuttles, car rentals and public transport services will still be available.

Transportation services at the airport can be located as follows:

• Airport-accredited metered taxi operators are outside the terminal building at the pick-up zone.
• Public transport and airport shuttles are at the coach staging area near long-stay parking.
• Car rentals are outside the terminal building near the multi-storey parkade.

More information about the authorised airport-accredited metered taxi operators at King Shaka International Airport is available at www.airports.co.za. Alternatively, travellers should visit the ACSA mobile app for details on transport services.

ACSA’s Passenger Information Agents at the information desk are also available to assist travellers. “We kindly encourage travellers to check our social media page for any developments on the matter,” ACSA stated.